The "RP" Look

[infestor1]

I've noticed a standard in what most roleplaying forums look like. Mostly the same style of font, sidebars, sidebars, SIDEBARS, same style of logo, you get the picture. I don't know who started that trend, or if it even started on ProBoards, but the majority of RP forums look the same, (as in style, not images or colors...).

It's rare when I see a RP forum that doesn't look like this, and has it's own unique design. And I'm not singling out RP forums. A lot of resource forums (codes, premades, etc.) look similar, as well as general chat forums looking the same.

What do you think caused this? I'm sure a lot of you notice this standard as well, it's quite obvious.

P.S. I posted this thread in this board 'cause it has to do with graphics design, but it is a discussion topic so it might belong in GT, I just put it here because I felt that it fit here. Mods, feel free to move if you think otherwise.

[iota]

i don't have side bars, but i do have a dynamic table at the top, to keep it all neatly together..my forum is very unique, it isn't over bearing and in your face as most RP forums seem to be.

I do not know what caused it, but it was a very bad inception at any rate in my oppinion.

[Danie]

I really don't think it's that bad. I know whats the norm is sidetables but its reliable. And as long as your rp's good I don't think many will mind. I've had numerous rpgs in the past (and present) and the design were unique, although the layout was pretty much the same.

[Lugubrious]

My forum is actually totally opposite. epoque.proboards.com I get comments all the time saying it is really cool. To be honest, it isn't that technically great. The thing that is good about it is that my forum isn't exactly the same as all the other ones.

[Danie]

it is really cute.

[iota]

that banner is huge though.. makes the lace look unorganised... no offense.

[Lugubrious]

May 18, 2010 22:39:00 GMT -8 iota said:

that banner is huge though.. makes the lace look unorganised... no offense.

I was not asking for critique. And it does not stretch the forum so I do not see a problem with it.

The point I was making was that perhaps sites who avoid the RP look can get away with being less technically talented just because they do not meet conventional RP standards.

[» columba]

I used to get marked down on rates because I didn't use sidebars on my RP forum.

=/

Now that I've worked out a way to make sidebars pretty without having to do those pesky sidebar images, I doubt I'll go back. They're just so handy!

[Albireo]

I never used side bars...To many people have used it. I've been thinking about a way to use a code to enable such way. To those not used to the dynamic table.